Large printed government declaration dated 1787

This beautiful large printed declaration comes form the province of Dauphiné, in what is now present-day Auvergne, and it is interesting because it comes two years before the Revolution, when France was already deeply unsettled, and it is evident from the tone of the declaration that the King is doing his best to state his divine right to rule.

The paper is extremely waffly - the title states that it is concerning the laws of finances for the local government organisations, but the body of the paper states repeatedly that the Law is inviolable, whatever the law concerned is, which, after reading the whole piece, makes me feel that the Law had already repeatedly been violated. It also seems to be implying that a number of the local provincial powers that be are not behaving properly, although I must admit that although i have no trouble reading the actual words in this piece, I am having trouble making sense of exactly what it is saying. But I have the same trouble with modern-day French government-speak as well - why use three words when you cal use twenty, and who needs a full stop when there is commas available!

It’s interesting that as well as the local Dauphiné stamp at the top, the centre has a line of fleur-de-lys, the symbol of the French monarchy, running down the centre.

This is in exceptional condition - it seems to have been very carefully kept for the last 240 years, and the ink is a deep black, unfaded, the edges unfoxed, no staining or discolouration. It measures 37x50cm and would look beautiful framed.

Please note that depending on whether or not you have other pieces with me, there may need to be a surcharge of €4 on this piece in order to buy a proper poster tube. This is too large to be posted flat.

Please click on the photos to open them up full-sized.

To purchase, please contact me.